Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Resistance of TiAl6V4 Alloy Produced with SLM Technique and Used for Customized Mesh in Bone Augmentations

Abstract

Bone augmentation procedures represent a real clinical challenge. One option is the use of titanium meshes. Additive manufacturing techniques can provide custom-made devices in titanium alloy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the material used, which can influence the outcomes of the bone augmentation procedure. Specific test samples were obtained from two different manufacturers with two different shapes: surfaces without perforations and with calibrated perforations. Three-point bending tests were run as well as internal friction tests to verify the Young’s modulus. Test samples were placed in two different buffered solutions and analyzed with optical microscopy. A further SEM analysis was done to observe any microstructural modification. Three-point flexural tests were conducted on 12 specimens. Initial bending was observed at lower applied stresses for the perforated samples (503 MPa) compared to non-perforated ones (900 MPa); the ultimate flexural strength was registered at 513 MPa and 1145 MPa for perforated and non-perforated samples, respectively. Both microscopic analyses (optical and SEM) showed no significant alterations. Conclusions: A normal masticatory load cannot modify the device. Chemical action in the case of exposure does not create macroscopic and microscopic alterations of the surface.

Microscopical analysis of explanted Titanium alloy customised meshes for bone augmentation: a case series study

“…The existing evidence does not report whether the part exposed to the oral cavity and, thus, to contaminants such as food and beverages but also to sudden and extremely variable chemical conditions, may influence or not the surface of the device, affecting the bone response. In a previous study [14] the analysis revealed the presence of external and internal defects after the exposure to acid solutions, but it was expected that on human devices like those examined in this study, the findings would have been different, especially because the exposure to the oral cavity is less aggressive than a pH 4 laboratory solution.…”

“…In a more recent article published [14], TiAl6V4 samples fabricated by two different manufacturers (BTK Vicenza, Italy and Bone Easy Lisboa, Portugal) were experimentally compared after being dipped into buffered solutions for 7, 14 and 21 days at different pH (4 and 7) in order to artificially simulate the oral exposure. The effect of the acid solution, although not reproducible in humans, revealed that both samples were extremely resistant, but the surface showed a moderate degree of corrosion.…”

Tackling Inequalities in Oral Health: Bone Augmentation in Dental Surgery through the 3D Printing of Poly(ε-caprolactone) Combined with 20% Tricalcium Phosphate

“…Indeed, meshes obtained through 3D printing have several surgical advantages, including higher precision without the need for intra-surgical adaptation, plasticity and space-making, and round margins and corners. However, the high costs associated with this printing technique and the materials it employs may represent important limitations [ 28 , 29 ].…”

Relevant Aspects of Piranha Passivation in Ti6Al4V Alloy Dental Meshes

“…Techniques involve placing a mechanical barrier to protect the blood clot and to isolate the bony defect from the surrounding connective and epithelial tissue invasion. This space is needed to allow the osteoblasts to access the space intended for bone regeneration [5,6].…”